Saudi Female Attorneys ‘Get Green Light’ for Court
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Not alone are they being admitted to the religious police but women are also now being allowed to appear in court. Heady days.
Saudi Religious Police Have Their Powers Reduced
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Too often they appear to act as an ill-disciplined militia but their powers have been dramatically curtailed.
Saudi Progress: With Giant Strides and Baby Steps
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Yet another significant bridgehead has been secured – 30 women will be appointed to the Shoura Council
Saudi Corruption: Account Setup For Ill Gotten Gains
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The National Anti-Corruption Commission has set up a bank account into which those who have taken part in corrupt practices can deposit their ill-earned gains.
Could Saudi Arabia become a Net Oil Importer?
CROSSROADS ARABIA: If the rate continues as it is going, Saudi Arabia could be a net importer of oil in 17 years’ time. That’s plausible, based on the figures, but unlikely…
Saudis’ Water Consumption ‘Unsustainable’
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Advances in solar power and nuclear plants will help Saudis address their energy issues but water consumption is a major issue.
‘Khalas’: Saudis Halt Unemployment Scheme
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The Saudi authorities appear to have shut down the Hafiz programme launched with much fanfare last November
Underground Rail Next Stop for Jeddah
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The challenge building underground where water can be inches below the surface is considerable, but not insurmountable… given enough money.
Progress or Not? The ‘Digital Eid’ Has Arrived
CROSSROADS ARABIA: It seems that no element of life is safe from the encroachment of social media – not even sacred Eid customs
Bahrain Becomes Vatican’s Middle East HQ
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The Vatican is striving to improve relations with authorities throughout the Gulf
Defamation Case Awaits Shahrkani Hate Tweeters
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Her father ought not have a hard time winning cases against those posting false and defamatory information on Facebook and Twitter.
Saudi Tastes Sweet Success at the Olympics
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Congratulations to the Saudi Equestrian team for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics….
Wojdan’s ’90 Second Olympics’: A Game Changer
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Media reaction to Saudi women’s participation in the Olympics has been mixed but it’s marked a clear watershed.
MidEast Journalism: Whatever it Was, It Never Happened
CROSSROADS ARABIA: These stories serve as a useful reminder: Be very skeptical about any reporting coming out of the Middle East.
Saudi Woman Converts: Surprise Coverage
CROSSROADS ARABIA: It’s the first time that I can recall such a story being covered by the Saudi media.
Saudi Courts: Evaders Nowhere To Hide?
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Until a new law kicks in, it’s pretty easy to avoid unfavorable court decisions in Saudi Arabia. How? It’s simple: don’t show up at court!
Unholy ‘Ruckus’: Can Actors Play Islamic Figures?
CROSSROADS ARABIA: A row has broken out among various religious figures as to whether it’s permissible to portray Islamic figures in film.
Surprise, Surprise: Salafis To ‘Embrace’ Democracy
CROSSROADS ARABIA: A surprising convert to the idea of democracy is Sheikh Salman al-Awdah, erstwhile moral guide to Osama bin Laden
Death Sentences for ‘Stunt Driving’: Saudis Get Tough
CROSSROADS ARABIA: The phenomenon of ‘stunt driving’ is rapidly getting out of control in the Kingdom. The authorities have responded.
U-Turn: KSA to Support Women Olympiads
CROSSROADS ARABIA: In March Saudi announced it would support women athletes. In April it reversed its position. Now June, and it appears female athletes will receive support.
